nhũ
Definition
- Noun:
- Gold/silver powder or glitter: A fine, metallic powder, typically gold or silver in color, used for decoration, gilding, or embellishment on surfaces such as paper, textiles, or crafts.
- Stalactite or stalagmite: A type of mineral formation, commonly composed of calcium carbonate, that hangs from the ceiling (stalactite) or rises from the floor (stalagmite) of a cave.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Glitter):
- Cô ấy dùng nhũ vàng để trang trí thiệp. (She used gold glitter to decorate the card.)
- Chiếc áo dạ hội lấp lánh với lớp nhũ bạc. (The evening gown sparkled with silver glitter.)
- Noun (Cave formation):
- Chúng tôi ngắm những cột nhũ trong động Phong Nha. (We admired the stalactites in Phong Nha Cave.)
- Nhũ đá được hình thành qua hàng ngàn năm. (The stalagmites were formed over thousands of years.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "nhũ" is often part of compound terms. When used alone, context is essential to determine if it refers to decorative glitter or a geological formation.
- In geology, the full terms "thạch nhũ" (speleothem), "nhũ đá" (stone stalactite/stalagmite), or the specific terms "măng đá" (stalagmite) and "nhũ đá" (stalactite) are more precise.
Variants and Related Words
- Kim nhũ (n): Metal leaf or powder, especially for gilding. This is the common full term for decorative glitter.
- Kim nhũ thường được làm từ đồng hoặc nhôm. (Glitter is often made from copper or aluminum.)
- Thạch nhũ (n): A general term for stalactites and stalagmites; speleothem.
- Động có nhiều thạch nhũ với hình thù kỳ lạ. (The cave has many speleothems with strange shapes.)
Synonyms
- For glitter: Glitter, metallic powder, sparkle, flitter.
- For cave formation: Stalactite, stalagmite, dripstone, speleothem.
Notes on Meaning
- The primary modern usage of "nhũ" in everyday language is for decorative glitter.
- The geological meaning (stalactite/stalagmite) is more specialized and is typically encountered in scientific, geographical, or travel contexts.